[Flourite Black Sand and Water Clarity. Need Advice]

Sigh...so, I am setting up a new 29 gallon and I bought Flourite Black Sand as my substrate. Unfortunately, I only rinsed/soaked it once before adding to the tank. After 2 days, the water got a little clearer--I could actually see the plants in the back of the tank. But, in the last 3 days, there has been ZERO improvement. 

I have a Tidal 55 filter running. I put filter floss in the filter Day 2. I did a 10% water change two days ago and a 20% water change last night. And when I am adding water back, I am going SUPER SLOW to not disrupt the substrate.  No difference at all when I woke this morning. It's been 5 1/2 days at this point. Wondering if the filter is even worth a damn not being able to clear this up by now...but I am guessing this is a normal occurrence w/ this substrate...

I've been using Prime, Stability and some Fritz Zyme 7...

What more can I do? Just continue to do daily water changes? 

Can I add fish to cloudy water? Or does it need to be totally cleared up? 

Please help my sad ass...

[Quick question on adding fish]

Most things I've read suggest to add no more than 3 fish at a time to a tank. 

But when it comes to fish who like being in schools--Neon Tetra, for example--do you still adhere to the "3 at a time" guideline, or do you go for more?

In my case, I eventually plan to have 10 Neon Tetra in a new 29g community tank (and it will be cycled before I add them)...Should I add all 10 at once? Go 5-5? or Even 3-3-4? 

 

[Which tank lid when using a Fluval Plant 3.0 LED Light?]

I am planning out a 29G and I will be using the Fluval Plant 3.0 ...What are my options for a tank lid? 

(I have the standard Aqueon 29G:  L 30 1/2, H 19, W 13 1/4)

Sorry for such a newb question...The other 2 tanks I've purchased came with lit lids...This is the first time I am assembling all the pieces on their own. 

[29 Gallon Tank Advice]

On 10/7/2021 at 6:35 PM, stowcenter93 said:

Ditto on Seachem Flourite black sand. This is mine.

It's super expensive, and it used to have a carpet of Dwarf Sag until I stopped ferting with root tabs for a while. I love the look so much.

Can you easily vacuum the Flourite black sand without it all getting sucked up? 

[29 Gallon Tank Advice]

Hey all. 

I am beginning to plan, on paper, an upcoming 29 gallon (upgrading from a 10). 

Is this an appropriate stock:
1 Bolivian Ram 
1 Bristlenose Pleco 
1 Nerite Snail 
6 Male Guppies 
6 Harlequin Rasboras 
6 Corydoras 

More? Less? 

Will have live plants, driftwood…

And what do you recommend for substrate? Any specific recommendations (links would be awesome)? Mostly worried about the best compromise for the Cory’s and plants. 

Do you have a favorite Filter, Heater and Light for this size? (I am eyeing the Fluval Plant 3.0 for a light) 

Thanks a bunch!